In the same way Consumer Reportsranks the least reliable vehicles every year, the agency also determines those that have exhibited the fewest problems. Based on responses to questionnaires sent to its members, CR compiles the data and weighs the severity of each problem to create a “predicted reliability score” for each vehicle.

That score is then combined with CR’s track testing, as well as its owner satisfaction survey results and safety data, to calculate an overall score for each vehicle. While the list below might look like a paid advertisement from Toyota, these are CR’s 10 most reliable new vehicles for 2018, starting with the most reliable.

Lexus GX

2018 Lexus GXHandout /
Lexus

A true, body-on-frame architecture underpins the Lexus GX that it shares with the Toyota 4Runner. Last year, Lexus introduced a refreshed lineup of upgrade packages, including the Technology Package, which bundles Lexus’ safety and handling systems. The SUV comes in a base premium version, starting at $74,400, powered by a 4.6-litre V8 with 301 horsepower and 329 lb.-ft. of torque, and mated to a six-speed automatic.

Toyota Prius C

2018 Toyota Prius CHandout /
Toyota

Refreshed in 2016, the Toyota Prius C is powered by a 1.5-litre Atkinson cycle four-cylinder engine, putting out 78 horsepower. Paired to its electric motor, the Prius C puts out 99 net horsepower and 125 lb.-ft. of torque. A continuously variable transmission sends power to the front wheels, while fuel economy is rated at 4.9 L/100 kilometres in the city and 5.5 on the highway, all for a starting price of $22,260.

Toyota Prius Prime

2018 Toyota Prius PrimeHandout /
Toyota

A plug-in hybrid capable of 35 kilometres on battery power alone, the Toyota Prius Prime — introduced in 2017 — can hit 135 km/h without help from its small, on-board gasoline engine, a 1.8-litre Atkinson cycle four cylinder with 40 per cent thermal efficiency, the highest of any internal combustion engine. That, says Toyota, is good for 1.8 Le/100 kilometres and a total range of 1035 kilometres. Recharging the $33,000 Prius Prime requires 5.5 hours with a regular 120-volt outlet, or two hours and 10 minutes with 240 volts.

Mazda MX-5 Miata

2018 Mazda MX-5 Miata RFHandout /
Mazda

The loveable little Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster, upgraded with a 181-horsepower, 2.0-litre inline four-cylinder this year, starts at $32,900 and can be had with either a soft- or hardtop. In 2017, Mazda followed introduced the RF (Retractable Fastback), expanding the MX-5’s functionality through the addition of this electrically powered hardtop roof. While a six-speed automatic is available, the six-speed manual brings out the best in this two-seater.

Toyota Corolla

2018 Toyota CorollaHandout /
Toyota

At just $16,790 to start, the Toyota Corolla is powered by a 1.8-litre four-cylinder that delivers 132 horsepower — 140 in the LE Eco model — and coupled with either a six-speed manual or a continuously variable transmission. A perennial favourite in Canada for 50 years, Toyota bolstered the Corolla lineup this year with a redesigned hatchback, starting at $20,980

Lexus NX

2018 Lexus NX300Handout /
Lexus

Slightly smaller than the popular RX, the Lexus NX starts at $44,050. It comes in two versions — the 300 and 300h. The 300 is built around a 2.0-litre Atkinson-cycle, turbocharged four-cylinder engine that produces 235-horsepower, routed to all four wheels through a six-speed automatic transmission. The 300h uses is Lexus’ Hybrid Drive with a 2.5L Atkinson-cycle engine, delivering up to 194 net horsepower and 152 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a CVT and all-wheel drive.

Toyota Prius

2018 Toyota PriusHandout /
Toyota

Named the 2017 Green Car of the Year by the Automobile Journalists Association of Canada (AJAC), the Toyota Prius comes in three trim levels, starting at $27,650 and topping out at $32,965. A 1.8-litre four-cylinder gasoline engine and two motor/generators send power through an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission for a total output of 121 horsepower and 105 lb.-ft. of torque. Fuel economy is rated at 4.4 L/100 kilometres city and 4.6 highway.

Honda Fit

2018 Honda FitHandout /
Honda

The Honda Fit received a sharp new look for 2018, plus updated technology and available safety features to go along with a new Sport trim. A 1.5L DOHC four-cylinder, and a choice of either six-speed manual or continuously variable transmissions, returns 130 horsepower and 114 lb.-ft. from the Fit’s 1.5-litre four cylinder. Fuel economy is rated at 8.1 L/100 kilometres in the city and 6.6 on the highway.

Kia Sedona

2019 Kia SedonaHandout /
Kia

The Kia Sedona minivan offers seven- and eight-passenger seating options, starting at $28,495. Seven trim levels are available, topping out at $47,865 for the SXL+. All Sedonas get a 3.3-litre V6 with 276 horsepower tuned for enhanced mid-range torque, paired to a six-speed Sportmatic transmission.

Toyota Highlander

2018 Toyota HighlanderHandout /
Toyota

Starting at $37,000, the Toyota Highlander offers room for up to eight plus a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive. All trims come standard with Toyota’s multi-feature advanced safety package. Gasoline models are powered by a 295-horsepower, 3.5L V6 coupled to an eight-speed automatic transmission. Hybrid models also get the 3.5L V6, but mate to an electronically controlled continuously variable transmission.